We live in a digitized world. With that, we are seeing a huge push to automate everything—including our homes. Are smart homes the way of the future? Given the many benefits and conveniences provided by home automation, the signs are pointing to yes.
In this edition of the Jacobs Heating and Air Conditioning blog, we’ll explore the benefits of home automation systems along with the types of home automation products our in-house technicians recommend.
What is Home Automation?
Home automation, or smart home technology, connects your lighting, heating and air conditioning, wi-fi enabled appliances, and home safety and security systems to a central hub. This centralization allows you to control and monitor all of these household features remotely, either through your mobile phone, tablet, or computer.
Still wondering why this is helpful? Let’s take a look at 5 of the surprising benefits of smart home automation:
#1 Breathe Easy
Being able to regulate all of your home’s features from one central hub is convenient. Plus, it can offer great peace of mind when you’re away from home. Forget to turn off a light before you leave for work? With home automation, turn it off from your phone. On vacation, and want to make sure you remembered to shut the garage door? Access and control your garage door opener from your phone.
#2 Zone Control
With smart thermostat systems, you can adjust and regulate temperatures in specific areas of your home. This allows you to control the temperature in different rooms within your home, adjusting temperatures for optimal comfort and efficiency. The pros of HVAC zoning leads us to our next noteworthy benefit of automation: energy and cost savings.
#3 Energy and Cost Savings
Home automation gives us more control over how, when, and where we use our energy. Through HVAC zoning, you can regulate and adjust temperatures within designated areas of your home. Some settings allow you to only heat or cool a certain room or zone when it is occupied, for example. This additional level of control allows us to avoid excessive or unnecessary energy usage, providing optimal temperatures when and where we need it the most.
With smart home automation, you can do more than regulate your HVAC system. You can also regulate your electrical usage, putting your lights, for example, on a set schedule.
By regulating your utility usage, you’re not only reducing your carbon footprint, but you’re cashing in on cost-savings benefits. At Jacobs, our most popularly used home automation system is the Carrier Côr™ home automation line. Studies show that the Côr™ home automation system can help you save up to 20% in heating and cooling costs alone.
#4 Extra Safety and Security
Home automation systems allow you to connect your home security system to a central hub. By being able to access your home security system remotely, you can keep tabs on everything that’s happening around your home—even when you’re on vacation. While on vacation, you can ensure doors are locked, windows are closed, garage doors are shut, lights are on, and that the security system is armed. If you sense a problem, you can set off an alarm or contact emergency services.
Another great feature of home automation is that you’re able to hook up your other home safety features, such as CO detectors, smoke alarms, and water leak alarms. This allows you to monitor any potential issues with your home, addressing them proactively—even when you’re away.
#5 Minimize Water Damage
Water damage can be extremely costly to repair. With home automation, you can stop leaks and prevent water damage in your home. You can invest in a smart water shut-off valve that monitors water usage and detects leaks. If a leak is detected, these devices are designed to shut off the water.
Drawbacks
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of home automation. That’s why it’s important to meet with a technician to discuss your lifestyle and habits before investing in a home automation system. Home automation systems do require that the user is technologically savvy. We don’t want to become overly reliant on automation, either. You will still need regular home maintenance, ensuring that all of your systems are working properly.
For some, home automation can present security concerns, as some home automation systems could increase your vulnerability to hackers. To mitigate this, you’ll want to ensure you’re taking the steps necessary to protect your home automation system from hackers. Certain key steps to take include setting a strong Wi-Fi password, changing your password regularly, and hiding your network, making it invisible from automatic searching. Read a full list of savvy tips here.
Home Automation with Jacobs
Our technicians are trained to install the latest home automation system from Carrier, the Côr™ Home Automation line. With the Côr™ hub and mobile app, your home can be accessed and controlled remotely. The mobile app allows you to give guests entry to your home, set up timers and climate control zones, and monitor your home while you’re away. The hub isn’t invasive either; it can even be stored in a closet. The system is easy to use and has been a success among our customer base.
Contact Us About Your Smart Home
If you’d like to learn more about how to automate your HVAC system, we’d love to talk to you. Learn more about home automation and reach out to us here at Jacobs for questions on how to get started. With over 60 years of experience in HVAC services, our team is happy to help you with any of your HVAC needs.
